A.J. Ellis isn’t among the group of players who are vying for a roster spot. Adjusting to a new role as Yasmani Grandal’s backup, Ellis has come on strong in the second half. He was behind the plate Friday night, helping guide Alex Wood through seven strong innings of work.

With the Dodgers still fighting to earn home-field advantage, Ellis believes there isn’t time to adjust the club’s approach, particularly for Wood. “Right now, we’re trying to win games,” Ellis said.

“We got to pitch to our strengths, pitch to our game plan and at this stage in the game, it’s about execution.” While Mattingly has used various lineups throughout the season, the one in Friday’s game resembled what may take the field in the postseason.

“It’s important. I think it shows the importance everybody is putting home-field advantage in the first round,” Ellis said of regular starters still playing throughout the weekend. “To play here, where we’ve played so well this season. To have Clayton and Zack here would be huge for us.”

Ellis compared this year’s situation to when the Dodgers have clinched the division earlier in the season, which led to somewhat of a lull down the stretch. With Mattingly having previously stated he wouldn’t let off the gas, with the exception of providing rest for injured players, Ellis credited the manager for making sure the club remains focused.

About The Author

Matt is a journalist from Whittier, California. A Cal State Long Beach graduate, Matthew occasionally contributes to Lakers Nation, and previously served as the lead editor and digital strategist at Dodgers Nation, and the co-editor and lead writer at Reign of Troy, where he covered USC Football. You can follow Matt on Twitter @mmoreno1015